Latest news with #SKS-style
News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
‘Golf Force One': The Armoured Buggy That Stole The Show During Donald Trump's Scotland Visit
Last Updated: While Donald Trump is usually driven in the presidential limo known as 'The Beast', the buggy at Turnberry offered a scaled-down version built for the golf course A heavily fortified black buggy stole the spotlight as US President Donald Trump played golf over the weekend at his Turnberry resort in South Ayrshire, Scotland. Nicknamed 'Golf Force One" by media outlets, the vehicle moved closely behind Trump's white golf cart through the course, drawing attention for its sheer bulk, tinted windows and military-grade silhouette. The vehicle's deployment came nearly 10 months after Trump survived two assassination attempts and amid a four-day UK visit marked by intense protests, tight security and a bomb scare. A Buggy Like No Other The vehicle trailing Trump was identified by experts as a modified Polaris Ranger XP, a lightweight off-road vehicle commonly used in the UK by rural police, mountain rescue and rescue teams. However, the version seen at Turnberry appeared to be heavily customised. According to reports, the buggy was likely meant to serve as a rapid evacuation option should a threat arise on the open course. Despite its reinforced structure, it was designed to remain light enough to avoid damaging the greens. Security analysts cited in The Telegraph pointed out that the black band across the front windscreen, along with reinforced side and rear panels, suggested the buggy had been armoured extensively. One of the experts said the modifications would typically include replacing internal components like the floor and roof with hidden armour plating, while maintaining the vehicle's outward appearance. The heavily tinted windows were also interpreted as signs of thick, bullet-resistant transparent armour, the darker the tint, the more protection likely built into the glass. No Confirmation From Secret Service The United States Secret Service refused to confirm whether the armoured buggy was officially part of its protective operations. Responding to queries from The Telegraph, the agency said it uses a range of tools and methods to safeguard protectees but does not disclose specifics for security reasons. Why Was It Deployed? The appearance of the armoured vehicle follows two assassination attempts on Donald Trump in 2024, both during public engagements. In July 2024, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a rooftop sniper, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, opened fire with an AR-style rifle. One bullet grazed Trump's ear, while another killed former firefighter Corey Comperatore and seriously injured another attendee. The shooter was taken down by a counter-sniper team. Just two months later, in September, a man identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh was spotted with an SKS-style rifle at Trump's West Palm Beach golf club. Routh was allegedly 300-500 yards away from Trump when the Secret Service agent spotted his rifle in the tree line, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. Agents fired at him before he fled in a vehicle and was later apprehended about 40 miles from the course. He has pleaded not guilty to federal charges. Lockdown At Turnberry Security at Turnberry during Trump's visit was among the most intense seen in recent years. The Telegraph reported that army trucks, road checkpoints and snipers were deployed across the area. According to The Independent, 1,500 officers, roughly a third of Police Scotland's active force, were pulled from their regular duties for the operation. Protests And A Bomb Threat The trip was also marred by protests and a security scare. Demonstrators gathered in Edinburgh and other cities to voice opposition to Trump's views on climate change and the Gaza conflict. Meanwhile, a Glasgow-bound flight was forced to make an emergency landing after a passenger claimed he had a bomb and wanted to 'send a message" to the president. Drawing Parallels With 'The Beast' While Trump is usually driven in the presidential limousine known as 'The Beast" — a $1.5 million Cadillac fortified against bullets, blasts and chemical attacks — the Turnberry buggy seems to serve a similar function scaled down for outdoor mobility. Experts told The Telegraph that such vehicles are tailored to specific threat levels. Depending on the nature of risk, from blunt force weapons to high-calibre sniper rifles, vehicles are customised with corresponding grades of armour and materials like laminated glass or plexiglass. tags : donald trump scotland The Beast view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 28, 2025, 11:27 IST News world 'Golf Force One': The Armoured Buggy That Stole The Show During Donald Trump's Scotland Visit Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Golf Force One' vs. ‘The Beast', how this armoured golf cart tailing Trump compares to his $1.5 million Presidential limo
A heavily armored black golf cart, nicknamed 'Golf Force One', was spotted over the weekend following Donald Trump during a game at the Trump Turnberry golf course in South Ayrshire, Scotland. The reinforced cart followed Trump at close range, as Trump chose to cruise the course in a regular white golf cart. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category PGDM Management MBA Design Thinking MCA Finance Operations Management Data Science others Data Analytics Degree Digital Marketing Artificial Intelligence Healthcare Product Management Data Science Leadership Others Project Management Public Policy Technology healthcare CXO Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis & Decision Making Quantitative & Analytical Skills Organizational Management & Leadership Innovation & Entrepreneurship Duration: 24 Months IMI Delhi Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Online) Starts on Sep 1, 2024 Get Details Photos and videos of the jet-black vehicle, moving amid army trucks and security personnel, quickly drew attention online. The buggy's bulk, darkened windows, and militarised design sparked comparisons to Trump's presidential limousine, 'The Beast.' Also Read: WWII vet who married at 100 in Normandy, plans Bar Mitzvah at 103 at the Pentagon; still chasing dreams 81 years after D-Day The heightened security presence is not without cause. In September 2024, a man armed with an SKS-style rifle was spotted attempting to approach Trump during a golf match in Florida. Two months prior, a 20-year-old gunman opened fire from a rooftop during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, grazing Trump's ear and killing a supporter. Live Events Since then, the US Secret Service has visibly increased its protective measures around Trump. Snipers were seen stationed on rooftops at Turnberry during this recent Scotland trip, and the presence of Golf Force One adds a new layer of mobile defense. What is 'Golf Force One'? According to experts cited by The Telegraph, the buggy appears to be a modified Polaris Ranger XP, a vehicle typically used by UK rural police and sometimes by US law enforcement. Though it resembles a regular golf cart in size, the vehicle is reportedly equipped with armor plating and reinforced windows. Security specialist Gary Relf told the Telegraph that key indicators of armoring include a tinted, banded windscreen, thick side panels, and an enclosed rear section. 'From those photos, that is 100% armored,' adding that its transparent armor likely makes the windows appear heavily tinted. Despite its added protection, the vehicle is believed to be light enough to avoid damaging the golf course turf, a consideration that makes it suitable for moving discreetly across fairways without drawing mechanical or visual attention. The vehicle likely serves a defensive function, possibly as a mobile shield or rapid escape vehicle in case of sudden threats. Using such a cart can also allow Trump's security to remain nearby during a relatively exposed activity like golfing, where conventional armored vehicles can't follow. How 'Golf Force One' compares to 'The Beast' While Golf Force One is built for mobility and close-range protection in outdoor environments, The Beast, the presidential limousine officially known as Cadillac One, is a fully fortified mobile command center. The Beast weighs 8–10 tonnes and features: Eight-inch-thick armor plating Bulletproof, sealed doors with no keyholes An independent oxygen supply Blood bags matching the president's blood type Run-flat tires and an armored fuel tank Encrypted communication systems for secure command during emergencies Tear gas dispensers and electrified door handles for defense By contrast, Golf Force One is a smaller, faster, and more flexible machine, designed for open, less secure terrain like golf courses. Its primary function appears to be defensive mobility rather than heavy protection and communication infrastructure. It allows agents to stay within close range of Trump during casual outdoor activities without compromising safety.
New York Post
a day ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Heavily armored ‘Golf Force One' debuts as it trails Trump on the Scottish links less than a year after assassination attempt
President Trump's security team has debuted what appears to be a heavily armored golf cart 10 months after a would-be assassin aimed an SKS-style rifle toward him at his West Palm Beach tee resort. As the president played at the Trump Turnberry course in South Ayrshire, Scotland, this weekend, an imposing, apparently heavily fortified black vehicle followed close behind — with security experts saying it bears all the hallmarks of an armor-reinforced golf cart in the mold of Trump's official limo, a k a 'The Beast.' Trump drove a standard white golf cart as he played, but the bulky silhouette of the latest addition to his security fleet — which appears to be a modified Polaris Ranger XP — stood out like a sore thumb on the course. 7 A heavily armored golf car seen following President Trump during a round on his Trump Turnberry course in South Ayrshire, Scotland on July 26, 2025. Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock 7 Trump waving from a traditional golf cart at Turnberry on July 27, 2025. AFP via Getty Images 'Just looking at the front windscreen, that looks armored,' said Gary Relf, director of Armoured Car Services, to The Telegraph. Relf said that while it's difficult to ascertain exactly which elements have been reinforced, noting companies such as his often remove and discreetly replace nearly every interior element with armor plating, the vehicle's darkened front windscreen featuring black banding is a dead giveaway that something major is afoot with it. 'From those photos, that is 100% armored,' he told the outlet. 'The windscreen is a giveaway, as are the side panels, doors and the large panel at the rear above the load tray.' He said the vehicle appeared to be kitted out for 'defensive, not offensive' purposes and claimed the tinted windows could indicate a robust transparent armor has been added. 7 According to experts, the new armored cart appears to be modeled after Trump's official limousine — known as 'The Beast.' TOLGA AKMEN/EPA/Shutterstock 7 The new special golf cart comes after an assassination attempt from suspect Ryan Routh last September on one of Trump's golf courses in Florida. Getty Images 'The thicker the transparent armoring, the more tinted the window looks,' he said. Relf said it was likely the modifications would likely be designed to keep the vehicle as secure as possible while remaining lightweight enough to avoid damaging grass on the course. A Secret Service spokesman wouldn't confirm or deny whether the cart is armored or part of Trump's security apparatus, telling the outlet that the agency doesn't discuss the specific means and methods it deploys to protect the president. 7 Police snipers positioned on the roof of the Trump Turnberry hotel on July 27, 2025. Photo by7 A sniper on the Turnberry course near other golfers. AFP via Getty Images But stepped-up hardware to protect Trump on the golf course would not be unexpected given his surviving a pair of assassination attempts last year. On Sept. 15, Ryan Routh, 59, trained a rifle styled after a Soviet-designed semiautomatic at Trump's security detail as the president walked along the fifth hole at the Trump International Golf Club in Florida. Agents spotted Routh during a sweep of the sixth hole, where the suspect had obscured his location in heavy brush some 400 yards from the president, and fired a shot at him, at which point he ditched his weapon and fled in a Nissan SUV. 7 Trump taking a swing during his Sunday golf round. Getty Images Less than an hour later, Routh was apprehended during a traffic stop and charged with the attempted assassination of Trump. Two months earlier, Trump survived another assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., carried out by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. Crooks perched on the rooftop of a building just outside the Butler fairgrounds and opened fire with an AR-style rifle, nicking Trump's ear, seriously wounding an audience member and killing former firefighter Corey Comperatore. Crooks was taken out by a counter-sniper team moments after firing.
The Guardian
08-04-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Accused would-be Trump assassin tried to buy Ukraine rocket-launcher, filing says
A man charged with attempting to assassinate Donald Trump on a Florida golf course last summer tried to buy a rocket-launcher as well as an anti-aircraft missile from a person he thought was a Ukrainian arms dealer, court papers filed on Monday assert. The documents add substantial additional details to the justice department's case against Ryan Routh, 59, who allegedly made several 'reconnaissance' trips to West Palm Beach from his North Carolina home ahead of the alleged assassination attempt on 15 September last year. Routh, the filing states, made an 'August 2024 attempt to acquire anti-aircraft weapons', which prosecutors say provides direct evidence of an assassination attempt tied to his surveillance of Palm Beach international airport, where Trump – running for the presidency as the Republican presidential candidate at the time – would come and go. 'I need equipment so that Trump cannot get elected,' Routh wrote to an online contact he believed was a Ukrainian with direct access to military weapons. 'Send me an rpg [rocket propelled grenade] or stinger [anti-aircraft missile] and I will see what we can do … [Trump] is not good for Ukraine.' The filing does not explain who the contact Routh was corresponding with actually was. But it states that the conversation was 'in itself a substantial step taken in furtherance of his plot'. The filing states: 'Attempting to purchase a destructive device to blow up President Trump's airplane lies squarely within the realm of an attempt on his life, and Routh's statements about the purpose of the purchase drives home his intent.' Routh has pleaded not guilty to five charges, including the attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate, during a brief hearing in West Palm Beach two weeks after he allegedly camped out for 12 hours at the Trump International golf course armed with an illegally owned semi-automatic rifle. The barrel of the weapon was spotted by a member of Trump's Secret Service protection team, who fired at Routh. The suspect, who did not fire his own rifle, fled before Trump's golf party came into sight, and he was arrested by sheriff's deputies in a neighboring county. He left behind a digital camera, a backpack, a loaded SKS-style rifle with a scope attached and an extended magazine, as well as a plastic bag containing food. Monday's filing, in federal court in the southern district of Florida, where his case is being overseen by Trump appointed judge Aileen Cannon, lays out in detail for the first time the 'significant steps' Routh is said to have taken in support of his plot to murder Trump. Prosecutors have said Routh even set up a 'sniper hide' at the course. As well as the efforts to buy the rocket launcher and missile, Routh – described as a complicated individual with multiple previous arrests – attempted to buy a .50-caliber rifle and ammunition from a dealer in the Fort Pierce area. The 21-page filing said he was unsuccessful, having also scoured gun stores in Hawaii – where he had lived with a girlfriend – and conducted extensive online searches. Such a weapon, prosecutors said, 'would have been an even more destructive and powerful version of the rifle he already obtained', and 'this doggedness on his part is relevant to proving his intent to commit the assassination'. Other new revelations include how Routh corresponded with a man in Mexico, identified as 'Ramiro', on WhatsApp between February and September last year, which the prosecutors state was an attempt to 'coordinate his post-assassination escape'. Ramiro, they say, had experience in smuggling families across borders and allegedly arranged to meet Routh in Mexico City soon after 15 September. Most of the new allegations, the justice department said, is intrinsic evidence 'inextricably linked' with the charged offenses, and it is intended to help 'tell the full story' of Routh's activities before and during the assassination attempt. The September incident came almost exactly two months after another gunman opened fire on Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, before he went on to defeat Democratic rival Kamala Harris in the 5 November 2024 election. The Pennsylvania gunman killed one spectator while wounding two others before being shot dead by a Secret Service sniper. Routh's trial is scheduled to begin on 8 September this year, and he faces up to life imprisonment if convicted.
